I am confused about what to do

1. कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसंमूढचेताः।यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् ॥2.7॥

   kārpaṇyadoṣopahatasvabhāvaḥ pṛcchāmi tvāṃ dharmasaṃmūḍhacetāḥyacchreyaḥ syānniścitaṃ brūhi tanme śiṣyaste'haṃ śādhi māṃ tvāṃ prapannam

   Arjuna says: my natural strength is overcome by a weak, clinging pity, and my mind is confused about dharma (right duty). Tell me clearly what is truly good for me. I am your student; I come to you for refuge; guide me.

   Try this today

   Reach out today to one person whose judgement you trust and ask them sincerely for guidance on a problem, then listen without defending yourself.

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2. किं कर्म किमकर्मेति कवयोऽप्यत्र मोहिताः।तत्ते कर्म प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् ॥4.16॥

   kiṃ karma kimakarmeti kavayo'pyatra mohitāḥtatte karma pravakṣyāmi yajjñātvā mokṣyase'śubhāt

   Krishna says that even the wise are confused about what action is and what inaction is. He will explain action to Arjuna, and knowing it, Arjuna will be freed from harm.

   Try this today

   List what you did today in two columns, real work and mere busyness, and move one item from busyness to real work tomorrow.

   Study 4.16 in depth →

3. श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः ॥3.35॥

   śreyānsvadharmo viguṇaḥ paradharmātsvanuṣṭhitātsvadharme nidhanaṃ śreyaḥ paradharmo bhayāvahaḥ

   It is better to follow your own dharma (rightful duty), even imperfectly, than another's dharma done well. Even dying in one's own dharma is better; another's path brings fear.

   Try this today

   When you catch yourself comparing your path with someone else's today, stop and write one thing you are doing well in your own role.

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4. श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।स्वभावनियतं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम् ॥18.47॥

   śreyānsvadharmo viguṇaḥ paradharmātsvanuṣṭhitātsvabhāvaniyataṃ karma kurvannāpnoti kilbiṣam

   Better is one's own dharma (rightful path), even done imperfectly, than another's done well. Doing the work suited to one's nature, one incurs no wrong.

   Try this today

   Notice one moment today when you envy someone else's path. Then do one small thing that moves your own path forward.

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5. नियतं कुरु कर्म त्वं कर्म ज्यायो ह्यकर्मणः।शरीरयात्रापि च ते न प्रसिद्ध्येदकर्मणः ॥3.8॥

   niyataṃ kuru karma tvaṃ karma jyāyo hyakarmaṇaḥśarīrayātrāpi ca te na prasiddhyedakarmaṇaḥ

   Do the work that is yours to do, for action is better than inaction. Without action you could not even keep your body going.

   Try this today

   List the three duties that are truly yours today, at home, study or work. Finish at least one fully before anything optional.

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6. तस्मादज्ञानसंभूतं हृत्स्थं ज्ञानासिनाऽऽत्मनः।छित्त्वैनं संशयं योगमातिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भारत ॥4.42॥

   tasmādajñānasaṃbhūtaṃ hṛtsthaṃ jñānāsinā''tmanaḥchittvainaṃ saṃśayaṃ yogamātiṣṭhottiṣṭha bhārata

   Therefore, Arjuna, cut through this doubt in your heart, born of ignorance, with the sword of self-knowledge. Take your stand in yoga, and rise!

   Try this today

   Choose the task you have been hesitating over the longest, decide its first step in one sentence, and do that step before noon.

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7. इति ते ज्ञानमाख्यातं गुह्याद्गुह्यतरं मया।विमृश्यैतदशेषेण यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु ॥18.63॥

   iti te jñānamākhyātaṃ guhyādguhyataraṃ mayāvimṛśyaitadaśeṣeṇa yathecchasi tathā kuru

   Krishna says: I have given you this wisdom, more secret than all secrets. Reflect on it fully, and then do as you choose.

   Try this today

   For one decision today, gather the facts and good advice, think it through fully, and then make the choice as your own.

   Study 18.63 in depth →

If you are in deep distress or having thoughts of harming yourself, please talk to someone you trust or call India's free Tele-MANAS helpline on 14416.